AKURE — The Ondo State Police Command has successfully foiled a kidnapping attempt at a block industry in Ilu-Abo, along the volatile Akure–Owo Expressway, marking a significant victory in the state’s ongoing battle against violent crime.
In the early hours of Wednesday, July 8, 2026, a gang of approximately seven masked gunmen invaded the premises of Olaiya Block Industry, situated beside Ilu-Abo High School. The assailants reportedly stormed the facility at about 3:30 a.m., demanding to see the owner, in a move that triggered a distress call to security authorities.
A patrol team from the Federal Highway Patrol Unit, Ilu-Abo, responded immediately to the scene. Upon their arrival, a fierce gun battle ensued between the police and the criminal syndicate. During the encounter, two of the kidnappers were neutralized, while the remaining five members fled into the surrounding forest, suffering from varying degrees of gunshot injuries.
Recovered Evidence
Following the clash, police combed the area and recovered several items abandoned by the fleeing gang, including:
- A locally fabricated pistol
- Live cartridges
- Four mobile phones
- Several face masks
- Two ATM cards, suspected to belong to previous victims or members of the syndicate
Ongoing Investigation
The bodies of the two deceased suspects have been deposited at the State Specialist Hospital in Akure for autopsy and further procedures. The Ondo State Police Command, under the leadership of Commissioner of Police Felix Ohagwu, has transferred the case to the Anti-Kidnapping Squad of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for a comprehensive investigation.
The command has placed its operatives on high alert and is currently conducting a manhunt for the five escaping suspects. Police authorities are calling on members of the public, particularly healthcare providers and clinic operators, to be vigilant and report any individuals presenting with suspicious gunshot wounds or seeking clandestine medical treatment.
This operation follows a series of proactive security measures implemented by the state police, including recent raids on forest hideouts along the Akure–Owo corridor—a stretch that has historically been a hotspot for abductions.
”The Command remains steadfast in its commitment to deploying intelligence-led policing to ensure that criminal elements have no safe haven within Ondo State,” said the Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi Jimoh.
Residents are encouraged to continue supporting the police with timely and credible information to help rid the state of criminal elements. Intelligence can be shared via the command’s official channels:
- Phone: 08059998351
- X (formerly Twitter): @OndoPoliceNg
- Instagram: @Ondopolicecommand
- Facebook: Ondo State Police Command
- Email: pproondo@npf.gov.ng
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